Joseph Joseph DrawerStore vs. Bellemain Knife Organizer: Which is Best? (2026)

The traditional knife block is a relic of the past. It’s a giant hunk of wood that sits on your counter, collects dust, and takes up valuable space where your coffee maker or air fryer should be.

Worse yet, if you don't use a block, your knives are likely rattling around loose in a drawer—which is a recipe for dulled blades and sliced fingers.

In 2026, the trend is "Clear Counters." The easiest way to achieve this is an In-Drawer Knife Organizer. They are affordable, fit into standard drawers, and keep your blades sharp and hidden.

Today, we are comparing two Amazon best-sellers: The Joseph Joseph DrawerStore and the Bellemain Bamboo Knife Organizer.

The Cheat Sheet: Quick Comparison

Feature	Joseph Joseph DrawerStore	Bellemain Bamboo Organizer
Best For...	Tiny Drawers & Modern Look	Large Sets & Natural Aesthetics
Material	BPA-Free Plastic	Moso Bamboo
Knife Capacity	Up to 9 Knives	Up to 12-16 Knives
Blade Protection	Tiered (Stacked) Design	Individual Parallel Slots
Eco-Friendly?	No	Yes (Sustainable Bamboo)
Price Est.	~$10 - $20	~$25 - $30

1. The Space Saver: Joseph Joseph DrawerStore

Joseph Joseph is famous for "compact" engineering. Their DrawerStore model is designed for people with very little drawer width to spare.

• Why It Wins (The Tiered Design): Unlike most blocks that lay knives side-by-side, the Joseph Joseph "stacks" them on two levels. Small paring knives go on top, and large chef's knives go on the bottom. This allows you to fit 9 knives in a space only 5.5 inches wide.
  

• Safety First: The handles stay exposed for easy grabbing, but the blades are completely encased in the plastic tiers. It’s a perfect addition to a small kitchen remodel.
  

• The Catch: Because it is plastic, it can slide around in the drawer if you don't use a non-slip liner. It also cannot hold extra-long bread knives as well as the Bellemain.
  

• The Verdict: The absolute winner for apartment dwellers or anyone with narrow "junk drawers" they want to convert into tool storage.
  

• Check Price on Amazon: Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Knife Organizer

2. The Premium Choice: Bellemain Bamboo Knife Organizer

If you have a standard-sized drawer and a larger set of knives, the Bellemain is the gold standard. It’s beautiful, sustainable, and incredibly sturdy.

• Why It Wins (Material & Capacity): Made from eco-friendly bamboo, this organizer is naturally resistant to odors and bacteria. It features a universal slot design that can hold up to 16 knives (including steak knives). The bamboo is also softer on your knife edges than plastic, preventing dulling over time.
  

• Stability: This unit is heavier and wider than the Joseph Joseph. It feels like a custom-built drawer insert. It pairs perfectly with other sustainable home upgrades.
  

• The Catch: It takes up much more horizontal space in your drawer (roughly 10-11 inches wide).
  

• The Verdict: The best choice for home chefs with high-quality forged knives who want a natural look and maximum protection.
  

• Check Price on Amazon: Bellemain Bamboo In-Drawer Knife Block

Critical Decision Guide: Plastic vs. Bamboo

"Does a wooden knife block dull knives?"

1. Plastic (Joseph Joseph): Easy to clean and sanitize in the sink. However, over years of use, the hard plastic can cause micro-chipping on very high-end, thin Japanese steel blades.
   

2. Bamboo (Bellemain): Bamboo is a "forgiving" material. When you slide a knife in, the wood absorbs the impact rather than resisting it. This keeps your knives sharper for longer between hones.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Joseph Joseph DrawerStore If:

• You have a very narrow drawer (under 6 inches).
  

• You only have a basic set of 5-7 knives.
  

• You want a modern, grey/white aesthetic for your kitchen.
  

Buy the Bellemain Bamboo Organizer If:

• You have a large collection of knives (including a full set of steak knives).
  

• You want a premium, eco-friendly look.
  

• You want the best possible protection for expensive blades.
  

Now that your counters are clear, why not tackle the mess under the sink? Check out our comparison of the Spacekeeper vs Delamu Organizers to finish your kitchen transformation.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will these organizers fit in a standard kitchen drawer? A: Yes, both the Joseph Joseph and Bellemain are designed to fit standard drawers with a minimum height of 3 inches. However, you should measure your chef's knives before purchasing. If your knife handles are exceptionally thick or your drawer is very shallow, the handles may hit the top of the drawer frame when closing.

Q: Are in-drawer knife blocks more sanitary than counter blocks? A: Yes, in-drawer organizers are generally more sanitary because they are not exposed to kitchen grease, dust, and airborne particles. Furthermore, unlike deep-slot wooden blocks that are impossible to clean inside, the Joseph Joseph DrawerStore can be easily hand-washed in warm soapy water to remove any debris.

Q: Can these organizers hold serrated bread knives? A: Yes, both models can accommodate serrated knives, but the Bellemain Bamboo Organizer is better for longer blades. The Bellemain has a deeper footprint, allowing a standard 10-inch bread knife to fit without the tip hitting the end of the organizer.